University of Wisconsin System leaders will have to run future COVID-19 rules past state lawmakers. On a 6-4 party line vote, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules declared Tuesday that the UW System must issue an emergency order to enact pandemic protocols like mandatory testing and masks. "No public hearing. No opportunity even for the legislators on the committee to discuss the issue at hand," said Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) a committee member. The committee voted by … [Read More...]
Republican state Senator wants to block UW System COVID-19 protocols
A Republican state legislator is seeking to block the University of Wisconsin System's COVID-19 plans for the fall. State Senator Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) wants the UW System to get legislative approval for any virus-related regulations. Nass co-chairs the legislature's administrative rules committee. Nass explained his decision in media release on Wednesday. Unfortunately, some chancellors in the UW System consider themselves mini-Andrea Palms not beholden to following state law and … [Read More...]
DHS asks for people to get vaccinated as COVID case counts climb
Public health officials are pleading for people to get vaccinated, as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Thursday update showed a 7-day average of 556 new confirmed cases - double what it was a week earlier and nearly 8 times where it was a month ago. The sooner more of us get vaccinated against #COVID19, the less opportunity there is for the virus to keep mutating into potentially more dangerous variants. ➡ Find #vaccine: … [Read More...]
Evers declares statewide State Of Emergency following severe weather
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has declared a statewide State of Emergency. The action follows severe overnight storms affecting several regions of Wisconsin, and causing widespread damage, downed trees and power lines, power outages, and road closures due to debris. Evers said he's declared a State of Emergency to ensure state resources are available to get communities the support and help they need. The order directs state agencies to help those affected by the storms and also allows the … [Read More...]
Assembly Republicans fail to overturn veto on federal unemployment benefits
Assembly Republicans unsuccessfully attempted to overturn Governor Evers' veto of a bill that would have ended federal unemployment benefits. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says it's unfair that businesses have to compete with the federal government. "If you pay people over $17 an hour tax free to stay home and not work there are going to be fewer people working it's not rocket science." Minority leader Gordon Hintz says the numbers that Republicans and business leaders are quoting just … [Read More...]
Politics & Government
Republicans vote to block UW System COVID-19 fall protocols
University of Wisconsin System leaders will have to run future COVID-19 rules past state lawmakers. On a 6-4 party line vote, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules declared Tuesday that the UW System must issue an emergency order to enact pandemic protocols like mandatory testing and masks. “No public hearing. No opportunity even for the […]
Crime & Courts
Wisconsin DOJ launches new review of clergy and faith leader abuse
A new statewide initiative, led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, will review reports of clergy and faith leader abuse. Victim advocates including Peter Isely of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, were on hand for a press conference Tuesday. “I know how difficult it’s going to be for many of you to come […]